Fitted Table Cloth

ABSTRACT

A table cloth for covering a table surface is provided. The table surface has art outer edge. The table cloth comprises a table cloth sheet having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a perimeter edge. An elastic band is mounted to at least a portion of the perimeter edge of the table cloth sheet. The table cloth sheet positionable upon the table surface with the bottom surface of the table cloth sheet contacting the table surface and the table cloth sheet is releasably securable upon the table surface with the elastic band being positionable below the outer edge of the table surface.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This patent application claims priority under 35 USC 119 (e) (1) fromU.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/255,261 filed Nov. 13,2015, of common inventorship herewith entitled, “Fitted Table Top DropCloth,” which is incorporated herein by reference as though the samewere set forth in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to the field of domestic coverings, andmore specifically to the field of tablecloths.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The warmth of the summer season makes it the perfect time of year toindulge in all manners of outdoor activities. From playing a spiritedgame of volleyball on a sand packed beach or lounging by a neighborhoodpool to spending the day at the park or embarking on a campingadventure, people seek a myriad of ways to bask in this season'spleasantly balmy days and evenings. Perhaps a favorite summer pastime isenjoying an outdoor picnic or party. Whether planning a graduation orbirthday party, a family get together or a weekend with friends, nothinglike the ease of an outdoor meal celebrates the arrival of summer.Platters heaped with juicy burgers and hot dogs, succulently searedwings, tender grilled chicken breasts, delectably charred steaks andbuttery corns on the cob are savory compliments to summertime gatheringsof camaraderie and celebration.

While enjoying a picnic at a park, beach or backyard is a perfect way tohave fun and relax with family and friends, these outdoor meals areoften at the mercy of the weather. Summer rains and thunderstorms put adamper on picnic plans. Unpredictable bursts of wind is another dauntingelement that springs up at any given moment, even on the clearest andsunniest of days. Wind produces furious gusts without warning which isespecially consternating when trying to picnic. A particular challengefaced by picnickers on a breezy day is trying to keep an outdoortablecloth from blowing away. Typically fabricated of lightweightmaterial, most outdoor tablecloths are no match for forceful wind gusts.Constantly having to pin down a table covering while trying to eat ishardly enjoyable or relaxing for picnickers. A wind gust easily lifts atablecloth from a table surface, dumping platters of food on the groundor directly into a hapless eater's lap.

The prior art has put forth several designs for tablecloths. Among theseare:

U.S. Pat. No. 7,757,614 to Hazel A. Nurse-Bey describes a tensionedtablecloth that includes a flexible and unitary body with a plurality ofmonolithically formed sides configured in such a manner to form acontinuous perimeter extending about the body. The tablecloth includes amechanism for retaining the body at a substantially flat and tautposition during inclement weather conditions such that the body isprohibited from undesirably disengaging a top surface of the existingoutdoor eating surface. Such a body retaining mechanism includes asingle and unitary elastic band contiguously abutted against an interiorface of the sides and traveling along an entire length of the perimeter.A plurality of primary and auxiliary bands cooperate with fasteners andare removably connected to the anchor band for providing a tensionedsurface along the body.

US Patent Publication 2003/0015270 to James McClenahan and KevinMcClenahan describes an adjustable table cover system for covering atable having a circumference or perimeter which terminates at thetable's lip. The adjustable table cover is provided with a sheet havinga center, an outer perimeter and an intermediate channel region. Thechannel region is spaced at a greater radial distance relative to thetable's circumference. The sheet has a table portion area between thechannel region and the center and a skirt portion area located betweenthe channel region and the outer perimeter. The table cover is securedby a securing means, such as a drawstring or an elastic ribbon,contained within the channel region. When the tablecloth is secured byactivation of channel region which is radially spaced from the table'scircumference, the skirt is vertically disposed relative to the tableportion of the sheet.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,156,280 to Robert A. Affholter describes improved formfitting table covers characterized by the fact that a single cover isadapted for use with tables of reasonable varying top dimensions tocling in wrinkle free fashion, utilizing a novel stretch clingprinciple.

None of these prior art references describe the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a table coveringintegrated with a formatting elastic band around each outer corner forsecuring the covering to the table surface.

The present invention is a table cloth for covering a table surface. Thetable surface has an outer edge. The table cloth comprises a table clothsheet having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a perimeter edge. Anelastic band is mounted to at least a portion of the perimeter edge ofthe table cloth sheet. The table cloth sheet is positionable upon thetable surface with the bottom surface of the table cloth sheetcontacting the table surface and the table cloth sheet is releasablysecurable upon the table surface with the elastic band beingpositionable below the outer edge of the table surface.

In addition the present invention includes a method for covering a tablesurface. The table surface has an outer edge. The method comprisesproviding a table cloth sheet having a top surface, a bottom surface anda perimeter edge, mounting an elastic band to at least a portion of theperimeter edge of the table cloth sheet, positioning the table clothsheet upon the table surface with the bottom surface of the table clothsheet contacting the table surface, positioning the elastic band belowthe outer edge of the table surface and releasably securing the tablecloth sheet upon the table surface.

The present invention further includes a table cloth for covering atable surface. The table surface has an outer edge. The table dothcomprises a rectangular table cloth sheet having a top surface, a bottomsurface, a perimeter edge, and a plurality of corners. An elastic bandis mounted to each of the corners at the perimeter edge of the tablecloth sheet. The table cloth sheet is positionable upon the tablesurface with the bottom surface of the table cloth sheet contacting thetable surface and the table cloth sheet is releasably securable upon thetable surface with the elastic band being positionable below the outeredge of the table surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a fitted table cloth, constructed inaccordance with the present invention securely placed on a largerectangular table.

FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the fitted table cloth,constructed in accordance with the present invention showing the depthof the fitted table cloth and elastic corners.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a rectangular fitted table cloth,constructed in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a square fitted table cloth, constructedin accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a round fitted table cloth, constructedin accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, hereinafter referred to as the Fitted TableCloth, indicated generally at 10 is a table covering sheet 12 integratedwith a form-fitting elastic band 14 around the perimeter or at eachouter corner for securing the table covering sheet 12 to a table surface16. The Fitted Table Cloth 10 provides outdoor dining enthusiasts with atablecloth 12 that stays put even on the gustiest days. The Fitted TableCloth 10 eliminates securement hassles inherent in loose, draping excessmaterial common to standard tablecloths.

The Fitted Table Cloth 10 of the present invention comprises a tablecloth sheet 12 having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a perimeteredge. Preferably, the table cloth sheet 12 is constructed from a durablevinyl material, similar to standard outdoor coverings. The vinylmaterial is the preferred material in that the vinyl material isinexpensive, easy to clean, and can withstand multiple uses. The tablecloth sheet 12 of the Fitted Table Cloth 10 can also constructed from acloth material for those traditionalists who are okay with washing anddrying tablecloths after use.

The table cloth sheet 12 of the Fitted Table Cloth 10 of the presentinvention includes an elastic band 14 mounted around the perimeter ofthe table cloth sheet 12 or at corners of the table cloth sheet 12.Preferably, the elastic band 14 is stitched to the table cloth sheet 12although mounting the elastic band 14 through other means including, butnot limited to adhesive, welding, tacking, etc., is within the scope ofthe present invention.

The table cloth sheet 12 of the Fitted Table Cloth 10 of the presentinvention can be constructed in a variety of shapes including a polygon(i.e., square, rectangular, etc.), round, oval, etc. In the polygonembodiment of the table cloth sheet 12, the elastic band 14 can bemounted to the perimeter edge of the table cloth sheet 12 or a separateelastic band 14 can be mounted to each of the corners of the table clothsheet 12. In the round and oval embodiments of the table cloth sheet 12,the elastic band 14 is mounted to the perimeter edge of the table clothsheet 12.

The rectangular shaped table cloth sheet 12 of the Fitted Table Cloth 10of the present invention preferably measures approximately one hundredthirty-two (132″) inches to approximately one hundred fifty-six inches(156″) in length and ninety (90″) inches in width. The table cloth sheet12 of the Fitted Table Cloth 10 easily accommodates large tables such aspicnic tables and banquet tables.

An array of color and pattern options are included in the line of tablecloth sheets 12 of the Fitted Table Cloth 10 of the present invention,from understated solids and prints for day to day use to holiday themedtablecloths 12 for special occasions. Particularly unique to the FittedTable Cloth 10 and what sets it apart from standard coverings is foundin its aforementioned securement or hug ability. The hug ability isachieved by means of the elastic band 14 etched around the perimeter ofthe corners of the table cloth sheets 12. The Fitted Table Cloth 10seamlessly covers table surfaces in much the same manner as a fitted bedsheet, with the elastic corners 14 functioning well and unseenunderneath the table 16.

Extremely easy to use, the Fitted Table Cloth 10 of the presentinvention is adhered to and removed from a surface of a table 16 in amatter of seconds. A user selects the appropriate style color and sizeof the table cloth sheet 12 needed to cover a designated table 16. Theuser removes the table cloth sheet 12 of the Fitted Table Cloth 10 fromits packaging, unfolds it, and spreads it across and up or down thetable surface. The user tucks the elasticized portion 14 underneath thetable surface at each corner and then adjusts the table cloth covering12 lengthwise and widthwise to fit smoothly along edges of the table 16.

Eliminating a mandatory need to hold down the table cloth sheet 12 ofthe Fitted Table Cloth 10 of the present invention with one or bothhands while trying to eat at the same time or use makeshift securitymethods such as tape or tacks, the strong elastic band 14 of the FittedTable Cloth 10 of the present invention keeps the covering 12 and platesof food firmly secured to the table 16. Users of the Fitted Table Cloth10 avoid wasted food, messy cleanups, and ruined clothing that resultswhen a particular nasty wind gust sends a tablecloth of food flying.Outdoor diners are able to enjoy their meals in a relaxed and hasslefree manner. The Fitted Table Cloth 10 also functions to thwartmischievous pranksters, children or pets from pulling table cloths awayfrom outdoor tables. The Fitted Table Cloth 10 is highly effective foruse on any occasion whether birthday parties, backyard barbecues ortailgating excursions. While primarily conceived for outdoor use, theFitted Table Cloth 10 is used by homeowners hosting large dinners insidetheir home as well as restaurants and other dining establishments.Further the Fitted Table Cloth 10 can be used as a trash bag such thatthe Fitted Table Cloth 10 can be folded up to be thrown away with anyleftover trash debris on the table.

Although this invention has been described with respect to specificembodiments, it is not intended to be limited thereto and variousmodifications which will become apparent to the person of ordinary skillin the art are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of theinvention as described herein taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings and the appended claims.

1. A table cloth for covering a table surface, the table surface havingan outer edge, the table cloth comprising: a table cloth sheet having atop surface, a bottom surface, and a perimeter edge; and an elastic bandmounted to at least a portion of the perimeter edge of the table clothsheet; wherein the table cloth sheet is positionable upon the tablesurface with the bottom surface of the table cloth sheet contacting thetable surface; and wherein the table cloth sheet is releasably securableupon the table surface with the elastic band being positionable belowthe outer edge of the table surface.
 2. The table cloth of claim 1wherein the table cloth sheet is constructed from a vinyl material. 3.The table cloth of claim 1 wherein the table cloth sheet is constructedfrom a cloth material.
 4. The table cloth of claim 1 wherein the elasticband is mounted completely around the perimeter edge of the table clothsheet.
 5. The table cloth of claim 1 wherein the table cloth sheet has apolygon shape with corners, the elastic band mounted only at the cornersof the table cloth sheet.
 6. The table cloth of claim 1 wherein theelastic band is mounted to the table cloth sheet by stitching.
 7. Thetable cloth of claim 1 wherein the table cloth sheet is constructed inan array of color and pattern options.
 8. A method for covering a tablesurface, the table surface having an outer edge, the method comprising:providing a table cloth sheet having a top surface, a bottom surface,and a perimeter edge; mounting an elastic band to at least a portion ofthe perimeter edge of the table cloth sheet; positioning the table clothsheet upon the table surface with the bottom surface of the table clothsheet contacting the table surface; positioning the elastic band belowthe outer edge of the table surface; and releasably securing the tablecloth sheet upon the table surface.
 9. The method of claim 8 and furthercomprising: constructing the table cloth sheet from a vinyl material.10. The method of claim 8 and further comprising: constructing the tablecloth sheet from a cloth material.
 11. The method of claim 8 and furthercomprising: mounting the elastic band completely around the perimeteredge of the table cloth sheet.
 12. The method of claim 8 wherein thetable cloth sheet has a polygon shape with corners, and furthercomprising: mounting the elastic band only at the corners of the tablecloth sheet.
 13. The method of claim 8 and further comprising: mountingthe elastic band to the table cloth sheet by stitching.
 14. The methodof claim 1 and further comprising: constructing the table cloth sheet inan array of color and pattern options.
 15. A table cloth for covering atable surface, the table surface having an outer edge, the table clothcomprising: a rectangular table cloth sheet having a top surface, abottom surface, a perimeter edge, and a plurality of corners; and anelastic band mounted to each of the corners at the perimeter edge of thetable cloth sheet, wherein the table cloth sheet is positionable uponthe table surface with the bottom surface of the table cloth sheetcontacting the table surface; and wherein the table cloth sheet isreleasably securable upon the table surface with the elastic band beingpositionable below the outer edge of the table surface.
 16. The tablecloth of claim 15 wherein the table cloth sheet is constructed from avinyl material.
 17. The table cloth of claim 15 wherein the table clothsheet is constructed from a cloth material.
 18. The table cloth of claim15 wherein the elastic band is mounted to the table cloth sheet bystitching.
 19. The table cloth of claim 15 wherein the table cloth sheetis constructed in an array of color and pattern options.